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Moist Carrot Cake Layer Cake Recipe Perfect for Homemade Desserts

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A rich, moist carrot cake layered with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (200g) finely grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup (120ml) crushed pineapple, drained (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
  5. Stir in grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple.
  6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
  12. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting generously on top.
  13. Set second layer over first and frost top and sides evenly.
  14. Chill cake for 20 minutes before serving for a polished look.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for better moisture and texture. Avoid overmixing to keep cake fluffy. Use room temperature eggs, cream cheese, and butter for smooth frosting. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. Frosting can be chilled if too soft before spreading. Cake tastes better after resting a day in the fridge. Can be made gluten-free or vegan with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, homemade dessert, layer cake, easy carrot cake, carrot cake recipe

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